Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has weighed in on the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
The disagreement, which began as a legislative dispute in the Senate, has since escalated into a full-blown controversy following Natasha’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
Natasha, who is currently suspended and facing the Senate Ethics Committee, alleged in a recent television interview that Akpabio refused to consider her motion on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex because she rejected his sexual advances.
In response, Akpabio’s wife defended her husband over the weekend, describing him as a disciplined man and hinting at potential legal action against Natasha.
READ ALSO: Senator Natasha Accuses Senate President Akpabio Of Sexual Harassment
However, through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa (Esq), Natasha reiterated her claims and insisted she has “concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations.” She also urged Mrs. Akpabio to stay out of the matter and allow the Senate President to defend himself directly.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Saraki expressed his dismay over the controversy, citing its negative impact on the integrity and public perception of the Senate.
He clarified that he was not taking sides but emphasized the need for a fair and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and uphold the credibility of the legislative institution.
Saraki wrote, “I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution.”
He stressed that all parties involved, including their supporters within and outside the Senate, should act responsibly to avoid further tarnishing the Senate’s reputation.
READ ALSO: Natasha Sues Senate President Akpabio For Defamation, Demands N1.3bn Damages
He urged that Senate rules, constitutional provisions, and parliamentary procedures be adhered to in handling the issue, and any resolution should be transparent and impartial.
Saraki recalled a similar incident during his tenure as Senate President when he was accused of importing an official car without paying customs duties.
He noted that he voluntarily subjected himself to an open investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee, which eventually cleared him. He advised the current Senate leadership to adopt a similar approach in resolving the present dispute.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it,” Saraki stated.
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He emphasized that allowing an unbiased and transparent investigation would prevent the Senate from being perceived as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, or disregard for standing rules.
According to Saraki, due process must be followed to ensure accountability and justice for all parties involved.
“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate,” he concluded.